Alfred University alumnus Steve Crandall has been appointed to the position of dean of Libraries at the University, Provost William Hall announced today.

Crandall succeeds Carla Johnson, who retired at the end of the 2009-’10 academic year, in the administrative post. As dean of Libraries, Crandall will serve on the University’s Executive Council.

“Steve Crandall has been a supportive colleague, mentor and friend to many of us at the university for over 30 years,” noted Hall. “He has been recognized by faculty and students as a hard-working librarian who will make the extra effort to help others throughout the University succeed.”

Hall added, “Steve’s experience with budgeting, physical plant oversight and project administration will provide a strong foundation for the challenges he will be facing. His successful implementation of the automated library system FLORIS provided great training for the implementation strategies that will be necessary as we move to a more technologically rich environment in our libraries. Steve’s even temper and strong vision are traits that will serve him well in his new role.”

A 1976 graduate of Alfred University with a degree in management, Crandall earned a master’s in library science from Geneseo State College in 1977 and joined the faculty at Herrick Library that same year as a technical specialist in cataloging. He was promoted to assistant cataloger and assistant librarian in 1978 and became head cataloger in 1980. He was named an associate librarian in 1989 and became assistant director in 1990.

In 1998 he assumed the position of director of Herrick Library, providing leadership for the library through a $5 million renovation project.

On campus, Crandall has been an active participant on committees as well as a mentor for students, faculty and staff.